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The Archaeologist's Notebook

Little Dot Studios

Ever looked at a skeleton and wondered, "What’s your story?" Think no more. Welcome to The Archaeologist's Notebook! With videos twice a week, we bring the dead back to speak (metaphorically, of course). Hosted by professional archaeologist Giselle Kiraly, this show dives deep into the dirt to uncover thousands of years of human history. Make sure to Subscribe so you never miss an episode! 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • 27 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 22 min
  • English

Episodes 27

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  • S1 · E27
    Yesterday · 35 min

    The greatest Viking gold ever discovered

    In today’s episode, Giselle talks all about Viking gold! For the Vikings, gold was rare. So what happens when archaeologists uncover massive gold neck-rings, ornate bird pins, or thousands of grams of pure gold buried in Danish forests and bogs? Giselle is also joined by Viking expert Dr. Tom Horne to dive into 6 of the most incredible Viking Age gold discoveries of all time! Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 Thank you to Dr. Tom Horne for joining! You can see what Tom is up to here: Website: https://drtomhorne.com/ Substack: https://drtomhornearchaeology.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhorne870?stkn=azJsczduMzk4b2Rx Twitter: https://x.com/HorneSupremacy?t=fII54K_MMYiNwoYmKwsmLw&s=09 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hornesupremacy.bsky.social -- Source Materials: Alamy Nordjyske Museer Lennart Larsen, National Museum of Denmark Herefordshire Hoard phorographs provided by Herefordshire Council Hoenskatten 1834 Bilde 1 by Ove Holst, Kulturhistorisk Museum (2025), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hoenskatten_1834_Bilde_1.jpg via https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 Parts of the Hon hoard found in 1834 in Øvre Eiker, Buskerud in the south-east of Norway, by Wolfmann / Kulturhistorisk Museum (2020), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cultural_History_(historisk)_Museum_Oslo_VIKINGR_Norwegian_Viking-Age_Exhib_02_Hon_Hoard_(Hoenskatten)_Gold_treasure_875-900_(1)_Neck_arm_rings_Frankish_jewelry_Arabian_coins_w_loops_Necklace_glass_beads_Roman_gemstone_English_ring_619.jpg via https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 Trefliket frankisk beslag av gull fra Hoenskatten. Trefoil Frankish mount of gold from the Hoenskatten treasure. By Mona Knudsen, Kulturhistorisk Museum (2025). https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hoenskatten_1834_Gullbeslag_Bilde_4.jpg via https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 Photo: Senior Curator at National Museums Scotland, Martin Goldberg, looking at objects from the Viking age Galloway Hoard. By National Museum Scotland (2021). https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/NMSGallowayHoard1_PF1040456_900x673_96dpi.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=index&utm_content=original via https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 Photo: Galloway Hoard. By National Museums Scotland / Johnbod (2021). https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NMSGallowayHoard4_PF1034117_674x900_96dpi_(cropped).jpg via https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 Photo: The rock crystal jar. Photo © Neil Hanna Photo: Galloway Hoard. By National Museums Scotland https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NMSGallowayHoard5_pectoral_cross_900x682_96dpi_(cropped).jpg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E26
    Friday · 26 min

    Henry VIII in VIII archaeological discoveries

    Henry VIII is one of the most famous monarchs in English history, but what can we actually learn about him and his life from archaeological discoveries? It's hard to believe that this man could be a romantic, considering his track record, but will a certain heart-shaped locket and engraved coins have you thinking otherwise? We walk you through some fascinating and bizarre discoveries pertaining to this controversial king in today's video! Watch How the Tudors Lost Their Heads, Sundays at 8pm, on National Geographic. Also streaming on Disney+ https://www.natgeotv.com/uk/special/how-the-tudors-lost-their-heads -- Source Materials: Alamy Old Royal Naval College Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E25
    September 15 · 20 min

    Field School/How to Become an Archaeologist

    What does it actually take to be an archaeologist? In today’s video, we take you behind the scenes at the Culver Archaeological Project in the south of England to show you what an archaeological dig is really like. From learning how to properly hold a trowel and map an excavation, to processing finds when rained out and unearthing Roman history, here’s a look into life at a field school! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E24
    September 11 · 25 min

    Archaeologist Debunks The Bayeux Tapestry

    Is the Bayeux Tapestry the ultimate piece of medieval political spin? Today, Giselle puts seven claims from Britain’s favorite masterpiece to the test using real archaeological evidence, excavated longships, horse bones, and battlefield finds! From false myths about King Harold’s death to hidden Anglo-Saxon rebellion in the margins, we’re unravelling the truth behind the 1066 Norman Conquest. Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E23
    September 8 · 29 min

    The real archaeology behind the Peasants Revolt

    In the summer of 1381, an army of tens of thousands of ordinary people marched on London, triggering the largest social uprising in medieval English history. It was the only time the Tower of London was ever overrun, resulting in broken prisons, burned palaces, and royal executions. But what actually caused this massive revolt, and what clues did these rebels leave behind in the archaeological record? Through examining plague pits and remains, Giselle has the answers! Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E22
    September 4 · 22 min

    13,000 Years Of Getting Drunk

    Did our prehistoric ancestors love a cold pint as much as we do? Spoiler: YES. Today, archaeologist Giselle pulls up a bar stool and explores the most incredible archaeological discoveries of ancient alcohol—from 2,300-year-old liquid beer buried in China to a 13,000-year-old Natufian brewery that might prove humans started farming for beer /before/ bread. Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E21
    September 1 · 20 min

    The Stonehenge lie nobody talks about

    Did you know that Stonehenge isn't actually a "true" henge? And what about Seahenge, Woodhenge, or the massive superhenges scattered across the UK? In today’s video, Giselle unpacks the truth behind Britain’s most iconic prehistoric features. Breaking down what actually makes a henge a henge, we explore the history and engineering of these massive Neolithic settlement sites! 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E20
    August 28 · 27 min

    What's the oldest toilet ever discovered by archaeologists?

    Think the modern flushing loo is a recent invention? Think again! In today's video, we’re taking a look into the fascinating, gross, and unbelievable history of human waste disposal. From 2,400-year-old palace thrones in Ancient China to 5,000-year-old Bronze Age plumbing, uncover how toilets shaped human civilisation long before Thomas Crapper or the Romans came along. We’re also sifting through medieval cesspits to look at 800-year-old lost notebooks, 1,200-year-old fossilised Viking poos (yes, really!), and the preserved diet secrets of ancient Roman towns. Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E19
    August 25 · 24 min

    What's the weirdest thing someone been's found buried with?

    Think the modern flushing loo is a recent invention? Think again! In today's video, we’re taking a look into the fascinating, gross, and unbelievable history of human waste disposal. From 2,400-year-old palace thrones in Ancient China to 5,000-year-old Bronze Age plumbing, uncover how toilets shaped human civilization long before Thomas Crapper or the Romans came along. We’re also sifting through medieval cesspits to look at 800-year-old lost notebooks, 1,200-year-old fossilized Viking poos (yes, really!), and the preserved diet secrets of ancient Roman towns. 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd and watch exclusive content by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E18
    August 21 · 23 min

    Archaeologist Reacts To Archaeology In Movies

    What does a real archaeologist think about Indiana Jones? Today, working archaeologist Giselle reacts to and breaks down Hollywood's most popular archaeology in movies and judges them based off of how accurate (or inaccurate) they are! From Indiana Jones to Jurassic Park, is your favourite film on the chopping block? 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E17
    August 18 · 22 min

    How archaeologists analyse human remains

    What can you learn about a person from their skeleton? What do you do if you find a dead body? And how much do your bones really reveal about your life, health, and death? In today's video, Giselle (with the help of Patrice) walks you through how you can become an osteologist too by learning to read bones! Breaking down the expert forensic techniques used on dig sites and police cases to analyze human remains, Giselle reveals how specialists determine age, sex, and stature, identify ancient diseases like scurvy and rickets, and detect gruesome trauma like sword wounds and decapitations! 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E16
    August 14 · 23 min

    Have archaeologists just solved the mystery of the Franklin Expedition?

    The Franklin Expedition is considered one of the worst exploration disasters in history. After 170 long years, more scientific evidence is coming out to help figure out what actually happened to these men. In today's episode, new DNA evidence is found from the infamous Franklin Expedition, 2,000-year-old Roman bread, and a Roman well made of wood found at Rolls-Royce: Giselle has three exciting new stories in the world of archaeology to share with you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E14
    August 7 · 25 min

    Why Do These Egyptian Mummies Have Gold Tongues?

    Why were ancient mummies buried with golden foil tongues inside their mouths? What hidden Iron Age secrets lie trapped inside a fused 2,000-year-old block of soil and copper? And how did a metal detectorist in Norway stumble upon the largest Viking silver hoard discovered in over a century? In today’s video, Giselle digs deep into three remarkable archaeological breakthroughs that are reshaping our understanding of the ancient world. Join Giselle and historian Tristan Hughes (host of ‘The Ancients’ podcast) to discuss “one of the most amazing discoveries in Britain”! 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Source Materials: Alamy Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Anne Engesveen, Innlandet County Council Innlandet County Council May-Tove Smiseth, Innlandet County Council 1,700-year-old sock by Manchester Museum (https://multilingualmuseum.manchester.ac.uk/object/1700-year-old-sock/) License: CC 4.0 International Attribution https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E13
    August 4 · 22 min

    These artefacts changed everything we knew about ancient doctors

    What are the greatest archaeological discoveries in medicine? In today's episode, Giselle breaks down how archaeologists have made groundbreaking discoveries in revealing how doctors practiced surgery thousands of years ago. From a 2,000-year-old skeleton unearthed in Hungary with a complete set of Roman surgical tools to a perfectly preserved doctor's toolkit found in the ruins of Pompeii, these remains offer an incredible look into how medicine was practiced in the ancient world.What are the greatest archaeological discoveries in medicine? In today's episode, Giselle breaks down how archaeologists have made groundbreaking discoveries in revealing how doctors practiced surgery thousands of years ago. From a 2,000-year-old skeleton unearthed in Hungary with a complete set of Roman surgical tools to a perfectly preserved doctor's toolkit found in the ruins of Pompeii, these remains offer an incredible look into how medicine was practiced in the ancient world. 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd by becoming a YouTube channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E12
    July 31 · 21 min

    Why Was This Mummy Buried With Homer's Iliad?

    Was the mystery of the Neolithic population collapse caused by an ancient plague long before the Black Death? Join archaeologist Giselle as we explore three revolutionary archaeological discoveries that are changing our understanding of ancient burials, Greco-Egyptian mummification, and prehistoric epidemics. Thank you to History Hit for sponsoring this video! Sign up to History Hit and start watching today: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0gFQZ50 🪏 You can become a certified Dirt Nerd by becoming a channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJyzOQzeHJfZJMZ9-r_h3A/join -- Source Materials: Images & Videos Courtesy of Alamy Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Eygpt Exploration Society / Faculty of Classics University of Oxford & Oxford Cotswold Archaeology Seersholm, F.V., Sjögren, KG., Koelman, J. et al. Repeated plague infections across six generations of Neolithic Farmers. Nature 632, 114–121 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07651-2 UB_IPOA / Professor Ignasi-Xavier Adiego Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E10
    July 24 · 17 min

    The Bizarre Victorian Craze For Mummy Unwrapping Parties

    Why did Europeans spend centuries eating ancient Egyptian mummies? Today, Giselle delves into the dark history of Europe’s obsession with Ancient Egypt, from medieval apothecary remedies to the high-society mummy unwrapping parties of Victorian London. Learn the true story behind the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter, how Harry Burton’s iconic photography shaped modern Egyptology, and how the legend of the Pharaoh's Curse forced archaeologists to abandon tomb raiding in favour of modern scientific preservation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E8
    July 17 · 26 min

    These are the real archaeological sites from Homer’s Odyssey

    Did Odysseus actually exist, or was Homer’s epic a work of fiction? Following the release of Christopher Nolan's blockbuster adaptation of 'The Odyssey', Giselle traces the real-world journey of Greece's most famous legendary hero. From the ruins of Troy's nine stacked cities to the mapping of a tsunami-destroyed port in Corfu, Giselle investigates the physical evidence behind the legend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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